- Kookmin University co-hosted the inaugural Design Beyond East & West (DBEW) Award with the Italian Association for Industrial Design at the ADI Design Museum.
- The top prize went to students from the University of Sheffield, with global participation of over 800 entries from 44 countries.
- The initiative highlights collaboration between students and educators, focusing on innovation and the future of design in an AI-driven world.
Kookmin University recently marked a major milestone in global design education by co-hosting the inaugural Design Beyond East & West (DBEW) Award in collaboration with Italian Association for Industrial Design at the ADI Design Museum. The event brought together students, educators, and industry experts from around the world, creating a space not only to celebrate achievement but also to explore the evolving future of creativity in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
The top honor, the Gold Prize, was awarded to Baoyi Huang and David Buck from the University of Sheffield for their project 'Ecological Samsara Soundscape Transformation of Parkwood Springs', a work recognized for its innovative and sustainable approach. Silver Prizes were presented to teams from HTW Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Avantika University, and L'Ecole de design Nantes Atlantique, highlighting the global diversity of talent shaping modern creative design education.
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More than 800 entries from 44 countries were submitted, reflecting strong international interest in a new platform that bridges cultural and academic boundaries. Unlike traditional competitions, the DBEW Award stands out for recognizing both students and educators, reinforcing the value of mentorship and collaboration in shaping the next generation of designers. Leaders such as Paola Antonelli emphasized the importance of acknowledging educators’ contributions, especially as design disciplines rapidly evolve.
Alongside the ceremony, a forum encouraged deeper conversations on the future of design innovation, focusing on critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning in an AI-driven world. With its emphasis on global exchange and inclusive perspectives, the initiative strengthens Kookmin University’s position as a leader in global design education while setting a new benchmark for collaboration across cultures and disciplines.
